DDR2 SDRAM is an increasingly common memory solution for designs because of its price, availability, bandwidth capability, and wide range of configurations. However, the benefits of DDR2 SDRAM are coupled with significant implementation challenges at higher speed as the bit period shrinks and physical signaling issues become prominent. To further compound the problem, designers who use third-party IP as building blocks cannot assume interoperability among individual subsystem components. This session provides an overview to the memory interface subsystem design approach Synopsys proposes and how a complete integrated solution can reduce risk and increase design quality.